How do I start the conversation with my patient?

Many of your patients are aware of the power of stem cells, having previously banked cord blood stem cells. However, not too many people know that there is a different type stem cell inside of their healthy teeth! In fact, the Mesenchymal stem cells found in teeth are the same sort that are found in cord tissue, which many of your patients did not have an opportunity to bank.

Since many people are familiar with the process of cord blood and cord tissue banking, we’ve found that to be a nice starting point for the conversation. Perhaps it might unfold something like this:

For a printable .pdf version of this graphic, click here.

Which teeth are the best candidates?

Deciduous (kids) Teeth

All teeth contain dental pulp, and therefore are all a potential source of stem cells. However, research has shown that in deciduous teeth, the four lower incisors (laterals and central) are the best sources of stem cells. In the course of treatment under dentist supervision, any teeth in which the pulp chamber is exposed or teeth which are extracted would be acceptable, as long as there is healthy pulp present. The teeth that contain the highest quantity and quality of stem cells will be those that maintain a blood supply until they are harvested.

Wisdom Teeth

Another excellent opportunity to harvest dental stem cells occurs when wisdom teeth are extracted from teenagers and young adults. Since these teeth are typically healthy upon extraction, they are also great candidates for harvesting dental stem cells. Impacted molars which necessitate extraction or removal of wisdom teeth due to crowding or to facilitate orthodontic treatment would be acceptable. Endodontic therapy whereby the vital, non-hyperemic pulp is exposed would also be acceptable. Based on the dental practitioner’s’ judgment, periodontal treatment does not necessarily eliminate teeth as a source of stem cells.

While these two opportunities represent the best time to save dental stem cells, all healthy teeth have stem cells, and therefore are potentially good candidates for harvesting dental stem cells.

Wisdom Teeth

A suitable evaluation of each client’s oral health is essential. The oral examination conducted by the dental practitioner will provide insight to the general health conditions of the client storing or donating their teeth or dental pulp, with emphasis on mucosal pathologies, clinical signs of periodontal inflammation, and pathologic swellings in the tooth area (suggesting abscesses or bacterial infection). Poor oral hygiene or periodontal lesions should be avoided, as such conditions could negatively affect the future uses of the stem cells. If the donor is in good general health (disease free), no pre-treatment (dental hygiene) is required.

Teeth will not be accepted if:

• Severe caries are present in tooth
• Significant enamel demineralization is present
• Gross plaque
• Significant gingivitis

What preparations are needed?

Prior to extraction, it is strongly recommended that the crown(s) of each candidate tooth (teeth) be cleaned with an appropriate disinfectant rinse to decontaminate the candidate tooth (teeth) and to avoid any postoperative infections.

How many teeth can be placed in one collection kit/enrollment?

Up to four teeth or tissue samples can be placed in the same vial. 

Why should I choose to partner with NDPL?

The NDPL laboratory and storage facility is one of the longest running cryogenic laboratories in the world. Our affiliate, New England Cryogenic, has been serving both domestic and international clients since 1971. In addition to the processing and banking of  dental pulp stem cells, our laboratory also banks unfertilized eggs, sperm, cord blood, and other human tissue. Managed by highly trained biologists and technicians, our FDA registered lab offers you the combination of experience, cutting-edge facilities, and integrity.  Rest assured knowing you’re doing the best for your clients by partnering with NDPL.

NDPL will defray the cost of administration and any additional procedures involved in assisting your patients as they save their stem cells. NDPL is offering dentists a reimbursement of $200 per enrolled patient, for any NDPL stem cell preservation program.

Become an NDPL Dentist Provider

Do I need to handle any patient enrollment paperwork?

Nope! We’ll take care of all enrollment paperwork directly with your patient, once you refer them to us.

What if a patient wants to donate teeth?

Besides serving as a family dental stem cell bank, NDPL is also a research facility, and we are actively looking for donated teeth. Please have your patient request a donor release form and collection kit from NDPL prior to the date of extraction.

Is date of extraction too late for patient enrollment?

Not at all! Simply direct your patient to enroll with us online, and we will overnight their collection kit to your office. Place the tooth/teeth in the same solution you would use for avulsed teeth, and store at room temperature until the kit arrives the next day. Transfer the teeth into the collection kit vial, and the kit will be ready for pickup!

Keep in mind that it is always best to get the teeth back to NDPL as quickly as possible. To that end, if time permits, the patient may wish to follow the emergency instructions.

Better yet, enroll for free as an NDPL Dentist Provider, so you’ll have collection kits stocked in your office at all times!

Become an NDPL Dentist Provider